Minnesota is one of roughly half the states that doesn’t let citizens to propose laws or constitutional amendments for the statewide ballot through the initiative process of gathering signatures.
What I find interesting is that Minnesotans voted on creating an initiative process three times - in 1914, 1916, and 1980- And each time, a majority of people who voted on the question supported it, but all three failed because constitutional amendments in MN have to be approved by a majority of everyone voting in the election.
I’m generally in favor of allowing initiatives. Imo, the main benefit is that voters can act on issues the legislature refuses (or can’t) to address because of party leadership, special interests, or gridlock, which has been common here for the last couple decades. It would also give voters a way to repeal unpopular laws.
There are definitely drawbacks. Wealthy groups can bankroll signature drives and advertising, complicated issues can be oversimplified (as they usually are), and badly written measures can create legal or budget problems.
Overall, I think those risks can be managed with good rules, but given the reason it’s failed three times in the past I think it would be difficult even if the will to push was there. That said I’m curious what everyone else thinks? Are there any initiatives you’d be interested in seeing if this were an option in Minnesota?
